If you are a housing association tenant, you may be able to swap your home with another housing association tenant. This is called a mutual exchange.
Finding a mutual exchange means you won’t have to wait months, or even years, on our housing register.
If you are waiting on the housing register - or are unable to join it - a mutual exchange could help you move much sooner.
A mutual exchange doesn’t mean you have to swap like for like. You could:
- Downsize - for example if you are in a home that is too large for you.
- Upsize - for example you are waiting on the housing register for a larger home.
- Find a home with a garden.
- Move anywhere in the UK.
- Move to a property without stairs.
- Find a home with adapted facilities, provided you have an evidenced need.
- Swap a house for a flat (or vice versa).
Before you finalise a swap with another tenant, you must get written permission from both landlords before moving.
There are several home swap schemes available - some are free to use, while others may charge a fee.
The more schemes you join, the more likely you are to find a suitable match.
For more information on mutual exchanges, visit the Shelter website.
